Israeli television this week saw the debut of several notable productions, highlighting both dramatic storytelling and documentary filmmaking. The most prominent premiere was "The Escape," a suspenseful new series broadcast on Channel 12 and available for streaming on mako.co.il. Produced by Keshet 12 with international distribution by Keshet International, the show unfolds as a tense narrative centered on a young man, Yoel, who seeks to break free from a controlling cult.
Ido Tako stars as Yoel, a character raised in an extreme ultra-Orthodox sect that mirrors real-life groups such as Lev Tahor. The cult enforces strict religious observance and has relocated its members from Israel to the Colombian jungle. Yoel witnesses harsh repercussions for minor rule violations and desires a different future for his son, Nachman. The series depicts rigid gender segregation within the community and the authoritarian rule of its leader, portrayed by Mark Evanir. The story opens with Yoel and his family planning a daring escape from the compound.
Another key figure is Carmeli, a Mossad agent played by Yehuda Levi. Early scenes present Carmeli rescuing an Israeli man from custody in Colombia, hinting at a complex personal backstory. Levi brings depth to the role of the emotionally reserved intelligence operative. Filmed across Colombia, Georgia, and Israel, the show was created and written by Ariel Cohen with Yoav and Doron Paz, who also directed. The production has drawn comparisons to a blend of "The Handmaid’s Tale," "Shtisel," and dramatizations of the 1978 Jonestown massacre, setting a tone of foreboding and suspense.
In documentary filmmaking, "Shalom," directed by Meital Zvieli, premieres on KAN 11 on October 17 and will be accessible thereafter on kan.org.il. The film focuses on Shalom, a famed rhinoceros at Jerusalem’s Tisch Family Zoological Gardens, using his story to explore broader themes of coexistence and fragility in the city. The narrative spans from Shalom’s arrival during the 1978 Camp David Accords through the early 2020s, highlighting the bond between Jewish and Muslim zookeepers amid ongoing regional tensions.
The documentary also addresses the impact of the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attacks, including the physical threat posed to the zoo and the emotional toll as zookeepers are deployed to Gaza. The film captures the symbolic importance of Shalom, whose declining health becomes a poignant metaphor against the backdrop of conflict. Zvieli’s work offers a visually engaging and moving portrayal of a unique Jerusalem institution that embodies coexistence.
Meanwhile, the new legal drama "Cupertino," created by Robert and Michelle King—the team behind "The Good Wife" and "The Good Fight"—premiered on Hot 3 and several streaming platforms. The series follows two lawyers recently dismissed from Silicon Valley tech companies who launch a law firm defending employees wrongfully terminated in disputes with corporate giants, touching upon issues related to artificial intelligence.
Mike Colter stars as Michael Price, a tech company co-founder and lawyer forced out when a partner withholds shares, with Rachel Keller co-starring as Olivia, a religious lawyer who sues after her employer’s AI avatar is modeled on her likeness. Despite high expectations given the creators’ previous successes, early reviews of the pilot suggest the show struggles with predictability and lackluster performances, drawing unfavorable comparisons to the Kings’ earlier show "BrainDead." Producers and viewers alike await whether the narrative and humor will gain traction in forthcoming episodes.